By: Grace W. 

 

5 Book Recommendations

 

Dear Martin by Nic Stone (ABRAHAM LINCOLN YA FIC STONE, also available on Overdrive)

As teen Justyce McAllister struggles with the reality of race relations today, he looks to Martin Luther King Jr. for guidance. He starts a journal to Dr. King as he looks to his teachings to see if they hold true to today.

Overdrive audiobook 

 

Just Mercy: Adapted for young adults by Bryan Stevenson (YA 353.48 STE)

In this novel Bryan Stevenson reflects of his work as a lawyer and delves into many of the challenges he faced in his work. He shares stories about how he has worked to protect the rights of the poor, wrongly convicted, and those facing marginalization and discrimination.

 

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackman Lowery (YA 323.1196 LOW, also available on Axis 360 and Overdrive)

This book shares the story of Lynda Blackman Lowery, who was the youngest person to participate in the march from Selma to Montgomery. She shares her experiences about her imprisonments, nonviolent demonstrations, and how it felt to be a part of historic Civil Rights events.

Overdrive audiobook 

Axis 360 e- book

 

Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson (YA 323.092 SWA)

Swanson transports readers back in time to one of the most shocking and sad events in U.S. history. The author provides information about the history of the time, the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the aftermath in this book.

Hoopla audiobook 

Overdrive e-book 

 

March by John Lewis (YA GN LEWIS, also available on Hoopla and overdrive)

This graphic novel provides a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis’ lifelong fight for civil and human rights. In book one of his series, he reflects on his youth, his life-changing meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and the battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins. After you finish this book, you can check out book 2 and 3 in the series.

Hoopla Book 1 e-book 

Overdrive Book 1 e-book